Overview

• President Trump told reporters he will “take a look” at pardoning Barry Croft Jr. and Adam Fox after calling their 2022 trial a “railroad job.”
• Croft and Fox were convicted as ringleaders of a Wolverine Watchmen militia scheme to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer and received 19- and 16-year sentences.
• Ed Martin, newly appointed as the DOJ’s pardon attorney, said he views the Whitmer kidnapping defendants as “victims just like January 6” as he examines their appeals.
• Governor Whitmer has adopted a conciliatory approach toward Trump since his return to office, meeting him at White House events and in Michigan.
• Trump’s recent clemency actions include pardoning reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley and dozens of January 6 rioters, fueling debate over his use of presidential pardons.